Whitmore also wants to win Best Rookie! The self-proclaimed most versatile player of his class is provisionally ranked sixth in odds
Whitmore, who won the summer league MVP, has initially proved his strength to people. The Rockets got him in 20th place in the first round, which was indeed a big leak. On July 19, Beijing time, Whitmore was interviewed by ESPN, revealing that his new goal is to become the best rookie, and confidently said that he is the most versatile player in his class. The odds for the best rookie show Whitmore in sixth place.
In six Summer League games, Whitmore averaged 19.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.5 steals per game. In the interview, Whitmore said: "One of my goals is undoubtedly to be Rookie of the Year. Overall, I'm confident. I'm the most versatile player in this draft, and I think I'm the most different type of player. "It has to be said that the merits of Whitmore are indeed obvious. He is very strong, fast, powerful, bouncing ability, and has good physical condition on the defensive end. However, his shortcomings are also there, playing too alone, possession and passing ability to improve, and inconsistent three-point shooting.
When it comes to Whitmore's goal of becoming the best rookie, Rockets scorer Ben DuBose bluntly said that easier said than done. Dubose said that on the one hand, his competitors are not weak, including the Spurs' Venbanyama, the Thunder's Holmgren, the Trail Blazers' Henderson, the Hornets' Miller, and even his own teammate Amen Thompson also has a chance. On the other hand, Whitmore faces fierce competition for playing time within the team, and he may need to compete with Jabari Smith Jr., Ethan, Dillon, Porter and Tate for playing opportunities.
DuBose also said that before the start of summer league, not many people were optimistic that 19-year-old Whitmore would win the summer league MVP, but he did. It's just that the Rockets' Smith, Eason and Amen Thompson didn't play more games, giving him some extra chances.
The current best rookie odds are not very bullish on Whitmore. He is currently in 6th place, followed by Venbanyamar, Henderson, Holmgren, Miller and Amen Thompson. Striving for quality playing time may be Whitmore's more realistic goal than the Best Rookie award.